Peppermint Meltaways Recipe

Introduction

Peppermint Meltaways are delicate, buttery cookies infused with refreshing peppermint flavor and topped with a creamy frosting and crushed peppermint candies. These melt-in-your-mouth treats are perfect for the holiday season or any time you crave a cool, sweet delight.

Ingredients

• 1 cup softened butter
• 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• For Frosting:
• 2 tablespoons softened butter
• 1 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
• Optional red food coloring
• Crushed peppermint candies for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cream together softened butter and confectioners’ sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Step 2: In a separate bowl, combine all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the creamed butter and sugar until just combined.
3. Step 3: Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
4. Step 4: Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on ungreased baking sheets.
5. Step 5: Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until cookies are lightly browned on the bottom. Allow them to cool on wire racks.
6. Step 6: To make the frosting, beat together softened butter and confectioners’ sugar until smooth. Add milk, peppermint extract, and optional red food coloring; mix well.
7. Step 7: Frost the cooled cookies and decorate with crushed peppermint candies.

Tips & Variations

• For a stronger peppermint flavor, increase the peppermint extract slightly, but be careful not to overpower the cookies.
• Use crushed candy canes or peppermint bark for a more festive garnish.
• If you prefer a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
• Chilling the dough helps the cookies retain their shape and results in a tender texture.

Storage

Store the peppermint meltaways in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to two weeks. To rehydrate slightly after refrigeration, let cookies come to room temperature before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover it tightly to prevent drying out.

What can I use instead of peppermint extract?

If you don’t have peppermint extract, you can substitute with a few drops of pure vanilla extract for a different but still delicious flavor, though the peppermint taste will be absent.

Peppermint Meltaways Recipe

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4.7 from 104 reviews

Peppermint Meltaways are delicate, buttery cookies infused with refreshing peppermint extract and topped with a smooth peppermint frosting and crushed peppermint candies. These melt-in-your-mouth treats are perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy winter snack, featuring a tender crumb that pairs beautifully with the sweet, creamy frosting and a hint of festive crunch.

• Author: Nethan
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cookie Dough

• 1 cup softened butter
• 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Frosting

• 2 tablespoons softened butter
• 1 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
• Optional: red food coloring
• Crushed peppermint candies for garnish

Instructions

1. Cream Butter and Sugar: Cream together the softened butter and confectioners’ sugar in a large mixing bowl until the mixture is light and fluffy, which ensures a tender cookie texture.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and salt thoroughly. Gradually add this dry mixture to the creamed butter mixture, stirring just until combined to avoid overworking the dough.
3. Chill Dough: Cover and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm it up, making it easier to handle and helping the cookies maintain their shape during baking.
4. Preheat Oven and Shape Cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Roll the chilled dough into 1-inch balls and place them evenly spaced on ungreased baking sheets to allow for even baking.
5. Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly browned. Avoid overbaking to keep them tender and crumbly. Remove and cool the cookies on wire racks completely before frosting.
6. Make Frosting: Beat the softened butter and confectioners’ sugar until smooth. Add milk, peppermint extract, and optional red food coloring, and continue beating until the frosting is creamy and evenly colored.
7. Frost and Decorate: Spread the frosting over the cooled cookies and sprinkle with crushed peppermint candies for a festive finish and a bit of crunch.

Notes

• For best results, ensure the butter is softened but not melted before creaming.
• Chilling the dough is crucial to prevent spreading during baking.
• Use crushed peppermint candies sparingly to avoid overwhelming the delicate peppermint flavor.
• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
• This recipe can be doubled easily for larger gatherings.

Keywords: Peppermint Meltaways, peppermint cookies, holiday cookies, buttery cookies, peppermint frosting, Christmas dessert